EP2470942A1

EP2470942A1 - Arm for a spectacle frame, having an interchangeable side trim part

Info

Publication number: EP2470942A1
Application number: EP09740721A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Denis Bellone
Original assignee: BLI-DBP
Current assignee: BLI-DBP
Priority date: 2009-08-26
Filing date: 2009-08-26
Publication date: 2012-07-04
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-26
Also published as: CN102576160A; WO2011023859A1; CN102576160B; EP2470942B1; HK1173229A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an arm for a spectacles frame, including a connection element (1,4) to be attached on one side of a mounting (3) having a pair of lenses (30) and an elongate interchangeable side trim part (2). According to the invention, the connection element (1,4) includes a clip consisting of central elongate tab (11,41) and a frame (12,42), said clip twistingly operating in two balanced configurations, a first configuration in which the central tab (11,41) is embedded in the frame (12,42), and a second configuration in which the central tab (11,41) is free as a result of the frame (12,42) moving away. According to the invention, the interchangeable side trim part (2) includes, in the body thereof and along the elongate direction thereof, a sleeve (20) for receiving the central tab (11,41) of the connection element (1,4) when the connection element (1,4) is in the second configuration and the side trim part (2) is mounted on the connection element (1,4), and includes, on at least one of the side surfaces of the side trim part (2), a recess (21) which is complementary to the frame (12,42) and in which the frame (12,42) is housed when, once the central tab (11,41) of the clip is inserted into the sleeve (20), the frame is twistingly placed in the first configuration.

Description

Title of the invention

Branches for eyeglass frame with interchangeable side trim.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the general field of eyeglass frames. More specifically, the invention relates to eyeglass frame branches that can receive interchangeable side parts to change the aesthetics of the pair of glasses according to the desires of the user.

Multiple devices to change the aesthetics of the branches of eyeglass frames exist. For example, the document US2005 / 0259218 has a particular device for fixing a side piece acting as an eyeglass branch on the side of a support carrying a pair of glasses. For this purpose, the support itself comprises a connection element for connecting the branch to the support. With this device, it is possible to easily change the side piece and this allows customization of the pair of glasses by the user.

However, it is noted that the device presented in this document has a number of disadvantages. Indeed, in this device, the support carrying the pair of glasses itself comprises two lateral connection elements for connecting the branches which also include all the elements for the placement of the side piece on the connection element . In addition, as the lateral connection elements described support the articulation of the side piece relative to the support, the structure of the side piece is further complicated as well as that of the connection element.

This results in a certain complexity of the connection element and especially in a certain complexity of the support carrying the pair of glasses. It is, for example, not possible to mount the branch shown in this document on any glass holder of any spectacle frame. Object and summary of the invention

The main object of the present invention is thus to overcome the disadvantages as encountered with the branches with known interchangeable side pieces by proposing an eyeglass frame branch comprising a connection element intended to be fixed on one side of a support carrying a pair. of glasses and an elongated lenght lateral part, characterized in that: the connecting element includes a clamp formed with a long central tongue and a frame, this clamp functioning in torsion between two equilibrium configurations, a first configuration in which the frame encapsulates the central tongue and a second configuration in which the central tongue is released from the frame; the exchangeable interchangeable side part comprises, in its thickness and along its elongate direction, a sleeve intended to receive the central tongue of the connection element when, the connection element being in the second configuration, the lateral trim piece is mounted on the connecting element, and comprises, on at least one of the lateral faces of the lateral trim piece, an additional impression of the frame in which the frame is housed when, once the central tongue of the clamp inserted into the sheath, it is put in the first configuration by torsion.

Such a branch structure is particularly simple insofar as it implements a connection element in the form of a tweezers operating in the well-known manner of hair clips of the "clip" type. The invention exploits the clamping capabilities of such a structure comprising a central tongue and a frame by proposing to directly use such a clamp structure in collaboration with a specially shaped embossing side piece to cooperate with the shape of the clamp. Note also that, according to the invention, only the connection element is intended to be fixed to the support carrying the pair of glass during the installation of the branch according to the invention on this support.

It is therefore possible to mount the branch according to the invention on any support of any eyeglass frame when means for securing an indwelling branch are present on the support. Thus, once the connection element according to the invention fixed permanently on the support, the side parts only are interchangeable.

This results in a particularly simple structure of the branch according to the invention which comprises two elements: the connecting element consisting of the clamp and fixed to the support of the pair of glasses and the side piece trim.

It is noted here that the term "elongated lovable side piece", all types of side piece for spectacle frame known. Typically this side trim piece can be almost strictly rectilinear, as is often the case for sports glasses, or take the shape of glasses with back behind the ear or all other features encountered in the field. It will also, of course, be able to wear a non-slip material, etc.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the imprint is traced on the outer lateral face of the embossing side piece and, in the second configuration, the frame is placed towards the outside of the frame relative to the tongue.

This feature allows the frame to be visible on the outer side of the side trim piece which can add a nice aesthetic element on the side of the eyeglass frame. In addition, this feature allows to release the side trim piece simply pulling on it to the outside of the spectacle frame.

In the case where an articulation of the eyeglass branch is provided relative to the support carrying the pair of glasses, this is particularly advantageous because a simple pushing of the side trim piece outwardly of the frame once the branches of the eyeglass frame open can open the clamp and clear the side piece.

In the case where the connecting element is mounted such that the frame is disposed towards the inside of the eyeglass frame and the impression is thus made on the internal face of the lateral piece, it will be necessary that the branch is fixed to the support carrying the pair of glasses without articulation or it will be necessary for the articulation to be immobilized to disengage the lateral trim piece pushing it towards the inside of the frame as to fold the branch on the support carrying the pair of glasses.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is made of a block by cutting into a plate of a forked contour carrying, at its base, an extension allowing the attachment to the support bearing the pair of glasses and three teeth: two amounts constituting the frame and the tongue, the two uprights then being attached to each other at their free end thus constituting the frame under stress.

This embodiment allows the connecting element to be integral with, on one side, the means for being fixed on the support carrying the pair of glasses and, on the other side, the clamp for connecting the side piece. trim.

The two uprights joined at their ends may be by various means including a weld when, for example, metal is used for the manufacture of the connection element. A collage of the two amounts at their end is also possible. According to a second embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is made of a block by cutting into a plate of a contour forming a closed frame having a base connected to two lateral uprights joined together at the end. opposed to the base from which extend, on one side, the tongue and, on the other side, an extension for fixing to the support carrying the pair of glasses, the base of the frame being then folded of each side of the tongue and the extension so as to bring the two amounts of the frame at the base of the frame and thus ensure the stressing of the frame.

This embodiment is very simple to implement and avoids the presence of welding or other bonding that could damage the aesthetic or even weaken the material from which the frame is made. Typically welding on a fine stainless steel can cause undesirable deformations.

In addition, by making the frame under stress by folding, the plane of the tongue and that of the two frame uprights are shifted at the base of the frame. This shift is functional within the scope of the invention since the tongue is intended to be introduced into a sheath. The folding and the shift that it generates makes it possible to accommodate the necessary thickness of material of the embossing side piece which surrounds the sheath.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the frame has a generally triangular outline elongated in the direction of the branch.

Although various forms of frame can be used according to the invention, this particular form allows, in addition to the tapered aesthetic appearance, the easy formation of a torsional behavior adapted to the operation of the invention by combining two rectilinear lateral uprights and as explained above. However, various amounts of shape can also be used as soon as a stressing is performed afterwards.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the connection element is made of metal.

Such a material effectively makes it possible to obtain torsion and elasticity properties suitable for the manufacture of the clamp embodying the connection element according to the invention.

In addition, this material is easily cut and can be made by simply cutting into a metal plate of the clamp according to the invention before being put under stress to ensure the torsional properties and balance configurations as defined according to the invention. The two uprights of the frame are then advantageously joined by welding them at their end. It is also possible to consider any means of joining two pieces at the disposal of the skilled person, for example a rivet etc. The realization by welding nevertheless has significant advantages in the intended application: the compactness, the absence of salient elements that could be caught in the hair of the user (trice) etc.

Advantageously, the connecting element is fixed to the support carrying the pair of glasses in an articulated manner. This characteristic makes it possible to obtain a conventional articulation of the branch according to the invention in a manner completely independent of the operation of the invention which makes it possible to change the lateral trim piece while leaving the connection element fixed to the support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate an embodiment having no limiting character. In the figures:

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a connection element according to a first embodiment of the invention in the two configurations that are useful according to the invention;

- Figure 2 shows a lateral trim piece according to the invention;

- Figure 3 shows the commitment of the lateral trim piece on the connection element before locking in position; - Figures 4A and 4B show the branch of glasses according to the invention after locking the connection element; - Figures 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the connection element according to the invention.

Detailed description of an embodiment

FIG. 1A shows a support 3 carrying a pair of glasses 30 and a connection element 1 according to the invention fixed on the side of the support 3. In the example presented here, the connection element 1 is fixed to the support 3 to using a joint 31.

According to the invention, the connection element includes a clamp comprising a central tongue 11 elongate and a frame 12. Figures la and Ib show this clamp in the two functional equilibrium configurations according to the invention.

In the first configuration shown in FIG. 1B, the frame 12 encases the central tongue 11. In this configuration, the frame 12 is brought back towards the inside of the spectacle frame. In the second configuration shown in FIG. 1A, the frame 12 is brought towards the outside of the spectacle frame and the central tongue 11 is then released, that is to say remote from the frame 12.

Figure 2 shows a side trim piece 2 according to the invention. Advantageously, this lateral piece embellisher 2 carries any aesthetic element likely to interest a user.

For the implementation of the invention, this embellishing side part 2 comprises, in its thickness and along its elongate direction, a sheath 20 intended to receive the central tongue 11 of the connecting element 1.

Note that the engagement of the central tongue 11 in the sheath 20 is possible only when the clamp constituting mainly the connecting element 1 is in its second configuration as shown in Figure la. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the lateral trim piece 2 can be engaged on the tongue 11 of the clamp by introducing this tongue 11 into the sheath 20 of the lateral piece 2.

The exchangeable interchangeable side part 2 further comprises an impression 21. In the example presented here, the impression 21 is made on the external lateral face of the trim piece 2.

The term "internal lateral face" and "external lateral face" respectively means the face of the lateral trim piece 2 located and turned towards the inside of the eyeglass frame and the face of the embellishing lateral piece 2 located and turned towards the outside of it.

The impression 21 is of complementary shape to the shape of the frame 12 so that it can be housed in this footprint 21 when the frame 12 is folded by twisting in the first configuration of the clamp. This is shown in Figures 4A and 4B. It can be clearly seen in FIG. 4B that the frame is engaged in the impression

21 which guarantees its immobilization with respect to the side trim piece 2. It is understood here that the role of the impression 21 is to participate in the immobilization of the side piece 2 with respect to the connection element 1. Its outline may possibly be only partially complementary to the shape of the frame 12 since the placement of the frame 12 in the cavity 21 generates immobilization in position of the lateral trim piece 2 with respect to the connection element 1. In particular the outline or profile of the clip constituted by the frame 12 and the tongue 11, could be more or less thick than the impression 21 since the support of the frame 12 on the cavity 21 participates in the immobilization.

In addition, in FIG. 4B, it can clearly be seen that the central tongue 11 is engaged in the sheath 20 of the embossing lateral piece 2.

Thus the immobilization of the embossing side piece 2 with respect to the connection element 1 is ensured, on the one hand, by the tongue 11 and the sheath 20 and, secondly, by the frame 12 and the recess 21. These two pairs of elements complement each other to ensure a very good immobilization of the lateral trim piece 2 with respect to the connection element 1 and therefore lock this side piece 2 in position relative to the connection element 1. It is noted here that eventually the sleeve 20 will have a slight recess inward at its input which results from the meeting of the clips of the clip formed by the frame 12 and the tongue 11 and those of the cavity 21 with the sheath 20. Indeed, at the meeting of the frame and the tongue, a zero thickness is approaching whereas it is not the case between the sheath and the impression. Thus, for reasons of industrial feasibility, on the one hand, the shape of the footprint emerges from the shape of the frame 12 when approaching the meeting zone of the planes so as to avoid a "zone-zero" effect. which will be random and brittle and, on the other hand, the inlet of the sheath may be slightly protruded on the inner face of the side piece to ensure the presence of a sufficient thickness of material around the entrance of the sheath.

In the example described here, it can be seen that the impression 21 is drawn on the external lateral face of the embossing lateral piece 2 and that the frame 12 is placed towards the outside of the frame with respect to the tongue 11 in the second configuration. This ensures that the clearance of the side piece trimmer

2 is done by pulling, or pushing, this side piece 2 to the outside of the spectacle frame.

In the case where the impression 21 would be made on the inner face of the side piece 2 and where the frame 12 would be placed towards the inside of the eyeglass frame in the second configuration, it would be preferable that the connection element 1 is not fixed to the support 3 carrying the pair of glasses with a hinge 31.

Indeed, in this case, the clearance of the side trim piece 2 would be by pulling, or pushing, the side piece 2 towards the inside of the eyeglass frame and it would be inconvenient in the presence of a joint that would then immobilize.

According to a first embodiment which corresponds to the example presented in the preceding figures, the connection element 1 is made in one piece by cutting a contour comprising two uprights 12a and 12b of the frame 12 and the tongue 11 as well as an extension to allow fixation on the support 3 carrying the pair of glasses. This cutting is advantageously in a metal plate which has the elastic properties required to make the clamp useful according to the invention. The contour cut advantageously has a fork shape having a "sleeve" materializing the extension for fixing on the support and three teeth: the two uprights 12a and 12b and the tongue 11. The two amounts 12a and 12b are then assembled to their free end to ensure the stressing of the clamp allowing the existence of the two equilibrium configurations of the clamp according to the invention.

This allows a particularly simple embodiment of the invention especially when the plate in which the cutting has been made of metal.

In the latter case, to ensure the torsional behavior between the two equilibrium configurations of the frame 12, the frame 12 according to the invention is advantageously made from the two uprights 12a and 12b by welding these two uprights 12a and 12b. to one another at their free end along a line 13.

In the example shown in Figures 1 to 4, the frame formed from rectilinear uprights then has a generally elongated triangular shape which ensures a pleasant appearance and the correct functional characteristics.

Figures 5 and 6 show a second embodiment very advantageous because avoiding the need to weld or glue ends of the frame uprights. It consists of producing a monobloc connection element 4 by cutting into a plate of a contour forming a closed frame 42 having a base 42d linked to two lateral uprights 42a and 42b joined together at the end opposite the base 42d. from which extend, on one side, a tongue 41 and, on the other side, an extension 42c for fixing to the support 3 carrying the pair of glasses, the base 42d of the frame 42 being then folded of each side of the tongue 41 and the extension 42c so as to bring the two uprights 42a and 42b of the frame 42 at the base 42d of the frame 42 and thus ensure the stressing of the frame 42. The folding is carried out on along two pairs of lines Lla, L2a and Llb, L2b in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6. An offset D is obtained between the plane of the tongue 41 and the plane of the frame 42. This offset will advantageously be of thickness of the material that surrounds the sheath 20 of the pi 2. It is noted here that the folding is made on either side of the plane of the tongue 41 for, on the one hand, the stressing of the frame 42, and, on the other hand, the extension 42c for attachment to the support 3. This generates optimal use of space and avoids any gene elements relative to each other. In particular, the folding of the branches according to the invention on the support 3 will not require special arrangement of the support carrying the glasses.

Note that various implementations can be made according to the principles of the invention.

In particular, the bending of the uprights 12a and 12b constituting the frame 12 may be made in various ways available to those skilled in the art, in particular by other possible types of folding of the base more complex since this allows according to the invention, the existence of the two equilibrium configurations of the clamp. The amounts can also be of various shapes, in zigzag (s), arc (s) of a circle, in ripples etc as soon as these amounts are put under stress to allow the existence of the two equilibrium configurations of the clamp such as that included in the connection element defined according to the invention.

Claims

An eyeglass frame branch comprising a connecting element (1,4) for attachment to a side of a carrier (3) carrying a pair of lenses (30) and an interchangeable elongated liner side member (2), characterized in that: the connecting member (1,4) includes a clip formed with a long, central tongue (11,41) and a frame (12,42), which clip operates in torsion between two configurations of balance, a first configuration in which the frame (12,42) encapsulates the central tongue (11,41) and a second configuration in which the central tongue (11,41) is released from the frame (12,42); the interchangeable side trim piece (2) comprises, in its thickness and along its elongate direction, a sleeve (20) intended to receive the central tongue (11, 41) of the connection element (1, 4) when, the connecting element (1,4) being in the second configuration, the embossing side part (2) is mounted on the connecting element (1,4), and comprises, on at least one of the lateral faces of the lateral piece embellisher (2), an impression (21) complementary to the frame (12,42) in which the frame (12,42) is housed when, once the central tongue (11,41) of the clamp inserted into the sheath ( 20), it is put in the first configuration by torsion.

2. Eyeglass frame branch according to claim 1, characterized in that the impression (21) is traced on the outer lateral face of the embossing lateral piece (2) and in that, in the second configuration, the frame ( 12,42) is placed towards the outside of the frame relative to the tongue (11,41).

Eyeglass frame branch according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the connecting element (1) is made of a block by cutting into a plate of a forked contour carrying, at its base, an extension (12c) for fixing to the support (3) carrying the pair of glasses (30) and three teeth: two uprights (12a, 12b) constituting the frame (12) and the tongue (11), the two uprights (12a, 12b) being then fixed to each other at their free end (13) thereby constituting the frame (12) stressed.

4. Branch for spectacle frame according to one of claims 1 and 2, the connecting element (4) is made of a block by cutting into a plate of a contour forming a frame (42) closed with a base (42d) connected to two lateral uprights (42a, 42b) joined together at the opposite end to the base (42d) from which extend, on one side, the tongue (41) and, another side, an extension (42c) for fixing to the support (3) carrying the pair of glasses, the base of the frame (42) being then folded on each side of the tongue (41) and the extension so as to bring closer the two uprights (42a, 42b) of the frame (42) at the base (42d) of the frame (42) and thereby ensure the stressing of the frame (42).

5. eyeglass frame branch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (12,42) has a generally triangular outline elongated in the direction of the branch.

Eyeglass frame branch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (1,4) is made of metal.

Eyeglass frame branch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (1,4) is fixed to the support (3) in a hinged manner.